As a direct descendant of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, the events of these past few months — for me as for so many others — take a particularly personal toll.

My great-great-grandfather, Booker T. Washington, who was born into slavery in the Commonwealth, once said, “I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.” Instead, I dedicate myself to seeing what is possible and investing in supporting people who will carry on my family’s legacy of ensuring that injustice is not only called out, but replaced with opportunity.

Alison understands, as did my ancestors, that education and freedom are critical to individuals and societies alike and that, when the doors of opportunity are closed for some, we all suffer. She also understands, as stated by my great-great-great-grandfather, Frederick Douglass, that, “The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.”